Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott's separate lives as they 'drifted apart' in months before split

Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson focused on their careers and delayed the inevitable end to their relationship in the months before their shock split, according to a source

Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson lived 'separate lives' in the lead-up to their shock split.

The couple, who lived together in a stunning London pad, have now reportedly split after almost six years of romance. The news comes just days after fans noticed the pair spent Christmas Day and New Year's Eve apart, with them expressing fears it was the end of their relationship.

While Zara celebrated the end of 2024 with their cats, Albus and Cedric, at home, Sam partied with his former Made In Chelsea co-stars, Reza Amiri-Garroussi and Josh Patterson, at London's Kensington Roof Gardens. Just a week earlier, Sam sacrificed his Christmas Day to help those in need.

The radio presenter answered the call of a charity to lift spirits by delivering gifts, while Zara decided to spend the day with her family. But the BBC documentary maker publicly shared her very thoughtful Christmas present for Sam - an impressive duo of paintings that she had specifically commissioned for him.

The ex-Love Island star took to Instagram and said: "Sam's Xmas pressie from me! I wanted to get something super meaningful so I had these paintings made… they look a bit random but they are all the meaningful things he loves. They're by @brittyflynn she's absolutely incredible."

Over the past year, the pair have reportedly had 'crisis talks' and were spotted to appear to be in a heated row during the summer. But amid speculation of trouble in paradise, they shut down split rumours and even recently sparked signs of an engagement. Despite this, a source has called the break-up 'inevitable'.

Speaking to Mail Online, a source, who is reportedly a friend, said: "They were delaying the inevitable for several months as they drifted apart and their lives had become very different." The source said their romance "never really recovered" from Zara cheating on Sam in 2020 when she appeared on X Factor's celebrity series.

"Zara had some big making up to do, especially with [Sam's sister] Louise, she really wasn't happy when Sam took her back. But she managed to make it work and they had some great times together again, but it just felt like it was never going to be truly serious," the source said.

According to the publication, pals believe their booming careers were one reason they stayed together for so long. While Zara has had success filming and producing documentaries with the BBC, Sam's presenting career has taken off. In November, he headed Down Under to work on the latest series of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.

However, Zara opted to stay in the UK and faced questions from fans. She spoke about the circumstances in a Q&A on Instagram after a fan asked: "How come you didn't go with Sam to Australia?" Addressing the question, Zara revealed that she has work commitments, with her filming a documentary about stalking for the BBC.

She added that Sam's schedule would not accommodate a guest either. Zara said: "You guys are funny. I've had this question so many times! Well firstly I'm filming my documentary about stalking at the moment and it's really not possible to take time off filming at short notice. Sam's show only got confirmed last month.

"I am working with some amazing women. It wouldn't feel right, and I wouldn't want to just pull out of filming and let everyone down, especially the brave women who have come forward to share their stories with me. Secondly; Sam has to get up for work at 1am every day, it's a closed set so I wouldn't be able to go to work with him. I'd just be sat at the hotel while he's working."

Over the summer, it was claimed the couple were having "crisis talks" about their relationship. They reportedly had a massive row, with Zara walking out of their London pad and heading to her family's home for a while. In August, the pair appeared to have patched things up as Zara celebrated Sam's birthday.

In December, they were both seen celebrating Zara's birthday and Sam gushed about spending the rest of his life with her. In his birthday message, Sam wrote: "My best friend, and soul mate….some would say my person. I'm afraid you're stuck with me forever happy birthday. I love you so much, and wow have I missed you over the past month! Here's to another amazing year with you."